About
National Able Network is a Chicago-based workforce development nonprofit whose mission is to advance workforce solutions and career pathways for an equitable future. Acting as a convener of community resources and a champion for public-private investment in workforce development, the organization serves job seekers, employers, and nonprofit partners through career coaching, training, and job placement programs.
Mission
National Able Network works to advance workforce solutions and career pathways for an equitable future, connecting job seekers to careers and helping businesses and nonprofits meet their talent needs.
What they do
- START CAREERS and job seeker services: career coaching, employment support, and training initiatives.
- IT Career Lab: a technology career pathway program offering IT training and certification.
- Veterans Forward: employment services designed for veterans and their families.
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): the federal employment and training program for older workers, which the organization has operated since 1982.
- Services for businesses and nonprofits, including employer partnership programs and workforce solutions.
- Workforce Wednesday events connecting job seekers with employers.
The organization operates offices in Illinois, Indiana, and on the East Coast, with specialized programming for veterans, single mothers, non-native English speakers, and public housing residents.
History
The organization originated as Operation ABLE in 1977, founded through a Chicago Community Trust grant to place older workers in meaningful employment, and began as a network of senior employment agencies providing technical assistance and job referrals. In 1982 it expanded to operate the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program, and through the 1980s and 1990s it grew to eight national offices and ran a Job Hotline connecting workers and employers. In 2003 it rebranded as National Able Network under new leadership, with revenues growing from less than $5 million to nearly $30 million, and in 2009 it opened the 22,000 square foot Chicago Workforce Center. In 2011 it served approximately 7,000 job seekers in 54 municipalities across North and South Suburban Cook County.
Financials
Per Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for the fiscal year ending June 2025, National Able Network reported total revenue of $20,115,962, total expenses of $19,539,079, and net assets of $6,251,792. Contributions accounted for 92.5 percent of revenue (about $18.6 million), reflecting substantial government grant funding; the organization files annual federal audits given its federal grant spending. It has held 501(c)(3) status since June 1974 (EIN 23-7339397).
Governance
Matthew C. Weis serves as President and CEO, per the organization's most recent Form 990 filing.